Val Gardena's Contemporary Art Scene Thrives Amid Overtourism

Val Gardena, a valley in the Italian Dolomites known for its centuries-old wood carving tradition, is experiencing overtourism. However, beyond the ski slopes and crowded cable cars, a vibrant contemporary art scene persists, rooted in local craftsmanship. The article profiles several artists from the valley, highlighting their connection to wood carving and the local community. Caroline Comploi (26), a recent graduate of the Venice Academy, works with painting and drawing, avoiding wood entirely. Valeria Stuflesser (1996) continues the family tradition of wood sculpture, while her family runs galleries (Vijion, Dig Art) and includes the late artist Josef Kostner (1933–2017), a key figure in elevating local craftsmanship. Aron Demetz (53), known for his wood sculptures exhibited at PAC Milan, MAN Naples, and the 2009 Venice Biennale Italian Pavilion, acts as a mentor and runs the association La Vëta. His cousin Gehard Demetz (1972), represented by New York's Jack Shainman Gallery, is more famous abroad. Gregor Prugger (71), a Florence Academy graduate, creates diverse works including a large tree dedicated to mafia victims in Palermo. The valley's art infrastructure includes the Biennale Ghardêina (since 2008), the Unika fair, galleries like Doris Ghetta and Vijion, and public spaces such as Tublà da Nives and Circolo. The article emphasizes the deep intertwining of art, family, and community in Val Gardena.